Resolutions, Intentions and Other Paving Stones

"I like to encourage people to realize that any action is a good action if it's proactive, and there is positive intent behind it." ~ Michael J. Fox


Here we are again... that time of year when tradition says we should set improvement goals for mind, body and spirit. Do you or don't you?

I have to say that it has been only during the past few years that I've actually taken this tradition seriously. I attribute it to a health scare that came out of nowhere.

I knew I was overweight, but I had quit smoking. I knew I didn't eat healthy, but I ate balanced. I knew I didn't exercise enough, but... but... 

OK, I got nothing there. 

Anyway, because I always felt reasonably good, my only maladies being the common cold or occasional flu virus, menopause and arthritis, I considered myself healthy. 

Unfortunately, my heart had some bad news for me. And, I think we all tend to listen intently to messages from the heart. It was time to get serious. 

Unfortunately, the first year was pretty much a bust with regard to reaching my goal of treating my body kinder. But, I wasn't successful at reaching my goals, because I wasn't very good at setting them. I think this is the point where good intentions very easily could become purgatorial asphalt. 

During the second year, I got better, after I read some things about the power of positive intention. As in adopting other behavioral changes, I learned I needed motivation, objectives and a plan of action.

One thing I found out about myself is that I require motivational reminders. Daily reminders. Hourly reminders. Visually graphic reminders. Positioned in strategic areas throughout my house. This action demonstrates intent by changing the environment. 

I also have to write down the goal. In her book, Write It Down, Make It Happen, Dr. Henriette Anne Klauser, one of the leading authorities on communications and writing productivity, talks about the importance of putting goals in writing, citing studies which have shown a much higher success rate for people who write down their goals vs. those who do not. This demonstrates intent by making oneself accountable.

First rule... a resolution has to be specific. In other words, using as an example the perennial #1 resolution, deciding to lose weight in and of itself doesn't cut it. Targets have to be specified. How much weight? By when?

Second rule... the resolution has to be realistic and maintainable. Continuing with the favorite "lose weight" resolution, did you know a pound of body fat contains 3,500 calories? Just to lose one pound per week requires a change in normal lifestyle by either decreasing daily caloric intake by 500 or doing enough cardio exercise to burn 500 calories daily. And, you have to get some strength training in there to replace the body fat with muscle to keep the weight off. That means carving out more time for your workout schedule. So, while losing three pounds a week is doable, it's sure going to require a lot of gym time.

Lastly, you gotta own the goal. Why are you making the resolution? How badly do you want it? If your heart's not in it, you'll lose your motivation, setting yourself up for failure and self-reproach. And, who wants that?!? 

Regardless of your goal, whether it's reading a certain number of books (I also do reviews; see other posts), quitting smoking (c'mon... you KNOW you want that), losing weight (here's a link for some GREAT tips), whatever... choose wisely. Make sure it's one worthy of celebration when you achieve it. 

And, then DO IT! 

Good luck! 

And...

The Return to Normal

OK... we can finally see the end of the feasting table. One more holiday, and we will have a whole six weeks to recover before the sugar onslaught of Valentine's Day. If you're anything like me, your body is seriously feeling the aftermath of what it's been subjected to over the holidays and is ready for sensible food choices, exercise instead of frenetic activity and some rest and relaxation. To kick-start that return to feeling strong and healthy, it always helps to rid our bodies, as much as possible, of the residuals of our excesses.

First order of the day for dispelling that holiday lethargy that is keeping you glued to the recliner and TV is hydration. Nothing flushes the body of toxins better than lots of water. Many times we mistake bodily aches and pains for viruses or muscle strain, when it's actually nothing more than dehydration. My favorite Canadian chefs show how to create a perfectly tasty antidote to holiday intemperance. 

People often feel super tired after the holiday season and like to blame it on the high level of activity involved in shopping, cooking and celebrating, all in the name of holiday tradition. Rest is essential to helping your body and mind combat the post-holiday blahs. Yoga and meditation can assist in readjusting from the stress and hyperactivity of celebrating, in more ways than just helping you to fall asleep. Deep stretches and proper breathing techniques help stimulate the circulatory, digestive and lymphatic systems, each of which contribute to the elimination of things toxic to your system.

However, some of that lethargy is due to the rich, heavy, sugar- and fat-laden foods we've been pushing through our bodies for the past month. Increasing fiber input helps the body release all those things that are clogging up the works and return to its regular function, which helps us return to our normal energy levels and sleep cycles. 

Finally, it's important to realize that your body is a mass of muscle, and the only way muscles can remain strong is to work them. All that running around during the holidays was activity, sure... but, not exercise. Get outside in the fresh air and sun and take a brisk walk, work up a good cardio sweat, wake those muscles up with some strength training by lifting weights. Nothing is better for eliminating stress and increasing energy than a natural infusion of the feel-good hormones, endorphins and serotonin, sent coursing through your bloodstream by a high-level pumping heart. And, don't forget strength training to raise your metabolism and increase your body's ability to re-energize, repair, restructure and respond. Because, after all, you're just going to go through all of this craziness again in a year. Help your body heal and repair! 

Wishing you a Happy and...

Christmas Traditions and Reminiscences

This is my next-to-oldest cookbook. I bought this one myself for my "hope chest" when I was 15. That makes it almost 50 years old. You can tell from the condition that it has been used often. It contains the recipes for my annual Christmas offerings for my family — divinity (my mother's favorite), coconut macaroons (my Daddy's favorite), chocolate chip cookies (my daughters' favorite) and fudge, which everyone requests to this day. 


It's not the oldest cookbook I have. I have one that my mother got for me when I was 5. It's called "My First Cookbook," and was published by the Imperial Sugar Company. (I would post a picture of it, except that it's packed away in a box somewhere.) In it, there were blank pages for writing in recipes, and I have written — in crayon — my favorite recipe at the time, which was my granny's biscuits. Even then, I was an aspiring cook. I think Women's Lib, in which I was a fervent and active participant, clouded my life goals for a period of time. With maturity, comes clarity and perspective... thank goodness. The circle of life, right? If only we all listened to the inner voices of our youth...

Arger-Martucci 2007 Petite Syrah Wine Review

My wine mentors gifted me with a really nice wine. They often describe the wine they like as having a "complexity of taste." Now, I have to admit, the understanding of what that meant has been very vague — that is, until I tasted this wine. EUREKA! I get it!!!

There are so many layers to the aroma and taste, I'm almost afraid to attempt a review. But, I want to, because I feel this is probably a step up in my education about wine. 

On the nose, I smell a lot of smoky currant, some floral scents and earthy moss. However, describing the taste gets a bit more complicated. Starting with a smoky, slightly biting herbal taste, it exploded in my mouth and seems to communicate with every taste bud... the ones that identify saltiness, the ones that communicate sweetness and, even, the ones at the back that recognize herbal bitterness. And, all the time, there's this smokey rose (for lack of a better description) savor that just kind of fills in the empty spots of my mouth. I think this may be what the expert reviewers call "chewy."

Now, what food to pair this wine with... I can't help you there. I will tell you the taste sent me to the kitchen to gather some dates (which I happen to have fallen in love with just recently), nuts and blue cheese. But, I can imagine it pairing extremely well with rich, meaty entrees, such as prime rib or beef stroganoff, or a bold primavera, not to mention the traditionally rich holiday dinner.

If you're ready to move beyond the party/generic/everyday safe wines, this wine needs to be your entree. I would rate it 92, at least. And, without question, I would have to list it in my top 10 favorites. Almost 14% alcohol, so please drink responsibly.

RECOMMENDATION: Pick it up for your holiday dinner. Not only will you impress your guests, it'll help you deal with the inevitable family drama! 

Cheers and happy holidays, everyone! May your days be merry and bright for many years to come!

Elizabeth Arden's New Fragrance "Untold"

OK, ladies, you know how it is. You want to know that you smell good, but you have to be respectful of the folks around you who are super sensitive to fragrance. Well, have I got news for you! I've discovered Elizabeth Arden's new fragrance, "Untold." Here's the manufacturer's promo on it:

"There’s an untold story behind every multi-faceted, modern woman who is thriving in her life’s journey.The world never sees all of her, but can only steal a glimpse at a time. Untold is the mystery behind her smile, the purpose of her stride, the inspiration in that spontaneous moment and the dreams that light up her eyes. Untold is the mystery behind every stolen moment of this woman life."

There are not many women I know who wouldn't want that description to fit them. So, kudos to the marketing team at Elizabeth Arden. 

But, let's get to the bottom line... what's the product like? To me, fragrance is kind of like wine. What appeals to me isn't going to appeal to everyone. When it comes down to fragrance, I prefer a bit of spice, a little musk, a touch of flowers and, above all, subtlety. I want people to be aware that I just walked by because there was a pleasant change in the air around them, not because they caught a whiff of perfume. And, this is that fragrance. It's no more obtrusive than the scent of a luxury bath soap.


Here's the "smelling notes": 

• Heart notes

  Gardenia, Peony, Jasmine

• Top notes

  Blackcurrant, Luscious Raspberry, Pink Pepper

• Base notes

  Sandalwood, Patchouli Heart, Musk

• Scent

  Oriental Floral

• Feel

  Feminine

And, I found the price to be reasonable within the realm of designer fragrances, especially if purchased on sale.

Unsolicited Dearfoams Endorsement

Don'tcha wish your slippers were hot like mine?

These are Dearfoams. And, let me just say, they are the most comfortable slippers I've ever worn. They have a hard sole, so are good to wear outside to put the trash curbside or grab the mail. The cushioning is superior to any I've ever felt. I catch myself scrunching my toes just to feel the softness. And, they look like diva shoes, which make me feel like singing "At Last," a la Etta James

 http://youtu.be/S-cbOl96RFM (For your listening pleasure.)

 If you've been good, I suggest you ask Santa to bring you a pair.

The Feasting Season

From the beginning of recorded human history, celebration has involved food, whether it's a traditional calendar event or an impromptu evening with friends. In truth, the act of "breaking bread" is in our evolutional DNA. In his book, Feast, archaeologist Martin Jones chronicles both historic and modern scientific evidence to illuminate how prehistoric humans first came to share food. Research has discovered that most mammals and all primates share food as a basis of forging relationships.

This week we kick-off the traditional season of thankfulness, celebration and holy observances. It is also the season of indulgence, over eating, bloat and pounds gained, all of which we regret and punish ourselves for on January 1, the secular day of mea culpa, atonement and resolutions. Contrary to what most of us think, the average weight gain over the holidays is only one to two pounds. Unfortunately, because the heavy eating season occurs during the winter months, when our activity level drops, studies show that those extra pounds can hang around for a really long time. Consistently, the No. 1 New Year's Day resolution is — drum roll, please — lose weight. 

What's deliciously intriguing about all of this is that it happens every year at exactly the same time, which can only mean 1) we suck at planning for the inevitable; and, 2) we equally suck at the practice of moderation. With a little self-awareness, we can make this year different. All the experts agree on these tips to avoid the predictable food overdose, post-holiday self-loathing.

First, don't starve yourself prior to the feast. Start the day with a sensible, high-fiber, high-protein breakfast. It will kick start your digestive system for the later ultra-rich food shock, as well as help to control your hunger and to maintain your dignity when your eyes behold the bounty. 


Remember, even if you're returning to the home of your childhood, you're an adult now. If you're expecting a barrage of "food pushing," insist on a smaller plate or take your own. It will fool everyone, including you, that you've got plenty. And, if Aunt Mary gets offended because you don't take second helpings of her macaroni and cheese, that's on her, not you.


Accept that this is a time of indulgence. Be prepared for the ultimate all-you-can-eat buffet by drinking plenty of low-calorie beverages and keeping your portions small. Think about the foods you know you will find hard to resist and research the nutrition. For instance, did you know a slice of apple pie is about 500 calories?

The "Enough already!" message will come from your brain, not your stomach. Eat slowly, savor the food and allow your brain to get the fullness message before going in for second helpings. 



Be sure to sit next to your favorite family member while eating. Studies show that engaging in conversation while eating suppresses the tendency to unconsciously shovel food through the pie-hole.  


Step away from the food! After round one of deliciousness, get up from the table and move around, take a walk, play with the kids, anything that will allow your body the time it needs to process what you've thrown in it. 

Finally, don't beat yourself up when the scales reveal the damage done. It's fixable. 

Remember, above all, the holidays are annual occasions to give and receive the one "food" we can never have too much of... LOVE! 

Vampire Cabernet Sauvignon Wine Review

It's my favorite time of year with my favorite holiday, so I love these wines labeled specifically for Halloween.

Tonight, I'm enjoying Vampire Cabernet Sauvignon 2012, from Napa, California. It has a dark ruby color and a woodsy smell of clay, moss and cedar. It's pleasingly dry, with no bitterness, and a smooth mouth feeling. There is a taste of dark berries, dark chocolate and espresso. Seasonally perfect! The finish is nice and long, moving slightly into a smoky plum taste. 

Very drinkable on it own, but it was wickedly good with my steak and mushroom soup. It's a very nice table wine, and I believe it would work extremely well with the upcoming holiday feasts, although you might want to hide the label to keep your guests from getting nervous. Don't worry, though. They'll be asking you to reveal the name of your secret potion. What will really put them under its spell is its affordability! 


Until then, flaunt your Halloween spirit with this bold statement wine. 13.5% alcohol, so please drink responsibly.

 

Come Over to the Dark Side

I love Apothic wines. The winery's newest addition is apropos for the Halloween season, Apothic Dark. This is a superlative blend of Petit Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and the rare outside of Italy Teroldego varietals. This is not a wine for those looking for a light red. In fact, its almost dark opaque color is indicative of its depth. On the nose, you'll find scents of earth and smoky cocoa. Coffee and dark chocolate are predominant in the taste, with a backdrop of dark berries and a creamy finish. It was spectacular with my 4-alarm chili, but I would drink this wine with anything. It has so much rich flavor, it's not a compliment to food...it's a dish on its own. 

Out in limited release, you need to hurry to enjoy it, especially since I've read several reviews of folks planning to go back and stock up while they can. That's exactly what I'm going to do, too. I want to make sure I have this one on hand. 

Book Review: "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks," by Rebecca Skloot

Author's Notes: Her name was Henrietta Lacks, but scientists know her as HeLa. She was a poor Southern tobacco farmer who worked the same land as her slave ancestors, yet her cells — taken without her knowledge — became one of the most important tools in medicine.

There's no way Henrietta Lacks could have known that her cancer cells would, in no small part, help save the world from deadly disease. She died of cervical cancer in the early 1950s. But, her cells proved to be immortal and, because of that, have been able to help clinical researchers find the vaccine for polio, unlock the chromosomal key of Downs Syndrome, help in the understanding of every type of cancer that afflicts humankind, cloning and much, much more. The saddest aspect of the story...while the medical research industry made a fortune growing and selling her cells, her family never saw a dime of that money and couldn't even afford health insurance. 

Skloot tells the engrossing story from the human perspective, explaining the science in layman's terms. She honors the family's final spiritual acceptance of Henrietta's suffering death as a challenge to learn just what her sacrifice meant to the world and continue that legacy. I found the story singularly moving and enlightening. It should be required reading for any person who works in the field of clinical research. They owe that much to Henrietta. 

The Hard Truth: Taking Responsibility for Your Health

I wonder if many people understand what is happening and what it means to each and every one of us. While everyone likes to see the insurance companies as big, bad corporations disinterested in the well being of the average Joe, the average Joe has taken advantage of insurance companies to the point that the premium pool is dangerously close to being insufficient in handling the claims the companies are forced to pay. Frankly put, the American public has an expectation of being cared for that far exceeds the available resources. 

How sad is it that research money is having to be used to try and find better treatments for heart disease when it's the single most preventable chronic disease? And, even when faced with irrefutable evidence that lifestyle changes need to be made immediately to protect themselves from impending serious health issues, most people find excuses instead. Nobody has a problem chasing the dollar but, for some reason, sees a problem with incorporating 30 minutes of aerobic exercise in the daily schedule. Parents would die for their children, but won't cook for them.

We are actually flirting with the possibility that we could have a decimation of human population equal to the Black Plaque within the next 100 years, simply because our bodies are too weak to withstand a serious pandemic. Let that fact sink in. Now, maybe you're one of those people who thinks, "So what? I'll be long gone by then." And, if that's your true feelings on the existence of your progeny, stop reading now and enjoy your double fudge ice cream with whipped cream. Namaste. 

However, if you've ever watched a person struggle through the recovery of a stroke or deal with the consequences of having a foot amputated because of diabetes, I invite you to read on, think and, ultimately, act.

I watched both my parents die suffering, because they were selfish and lazy. Diagnosed with serious health issues, they chose to treat symptoms with prescription medication, rather than address causes by making lifestyle changes. I'm not saying their demise would have been any easier had they chosen to make an effort. But, I do know retiring to a bed to wait for death is not an option I would choose. But, the American public is about to get a rude awakening by being faced with exactly that same decision...continue life as usual or make an effort to help themselves.

It's time the American public starts accepting the realization they are at risk for a health disaster. And, frankly, there's no one to point the finger at but the person in the mirror. But, the good news is, the problem is correctable. It means not eating to the point of discomfort, denying ourselves unrestricted indulgence in foods we know are unhealthy, being willing to sweat through some physical activity on a regular basis and no longer pretending that healthy cooking is an unnecessary chore.

And, there's the rub, isn't it? Whether it's comfortable to admit it or not, the majority of Americans have become indolent, self-indulgent and indifferent to consequences. We know medical science is going to provide a panacea that helps us mask the discomfort and ignore the issues. As long as there is a pill to make us feel better, everything is fine, right? Guess what, that pill costs money.

So, reality check. Do you eat healthy or are you in line at the fast food drive-thru more often than in the kitchen? Is most of your food in the freezer in handy-dandy disposable plastic trays with a expiration date of some time next year? Do you devote some time each day to actual physical activity that requires movement of your body faster than window shopping and makes your heart beat faster?

We've allowed our priorities to become dangerously skewed. It's time to throw out the excuse of busyness, and start taking care of business. It's not rocket science. It's more important than that. For the sake of our economy and future generations, it's time to get strong and healthy. 

Mexican Pasta Salad

Here in Kansas City, we got a late start with our summer season, considering we had snow the first week of May. Now, here it is the opening weekend for the NFL, and it's 102 degrees outside. Hmmm... 

Well, we Midwesterners are known for our tough resilience. It's kind of required for living in tornado alley. So, I decided to disregard Mother Nature's cruel joke and create a tailgate pasta salad that was cool, fresh and light, but still had the spicy kick of traditional football fare. 

Mexican Pasta Salad with Crispy Tortilla Strips

I started by cooking six ounces of Ronzoni Garden Delight Tricolor Rotini according to package directions. This pasta has the equivalent of a half serving of vegetables and is heart healthy with no added salt. 

I added 1/2 cup each of coarsely chopped red and green bell peppers and 1/2 cup finely chopped onion. For a little extra zing, I added one minced jalapeno pepper. And, I added one cup of cherry tomatoes, halved.

Next, I added 1/2 cup black olives, quartered; 1-1/2 cups of Mexi-corn, drained; 1-1/2 cups of beans, drained and rinsed (I chose pinto beans, but black beans would work equally well); and 4 oz diced green chili peppers. I used canned corn and beans, but fresh cooked would be even better.

I cut one avocado into chunks, drizzled them with one tablespoon of fresh lime juice and sprinkled them with 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin. I cut 4 oz of reduced fat pepper jack cheese into chunks and added it and the avocado to pasta mixture, gently mixing the ingredients to protect the soft avocado.

For the dressing, I decided to mix 6 oz of non-fat Greek yogurt with Hidden Farms Fiesta Ranch dressing mix and gently stirred it into the pasta mixture to coat all the ingredients. 

As you can see, this is a super easy salad with plenty of guilt-free, robust flavor and lots of crunchy freshness. It yields about 15 half-cup servings at about 120 calories per serving, but is filling enough to serve as a entree salad with the nutritional balance of vegetables, protein, dairy and carbs. And, it's totally customizable, so you can be the coach and choose your own player ingredients to suit your team's tastes!

Mexican Pasta Salad

6 oz pasta

1/2 cup red bell pepper, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup green bell pepper, coarsely chopped

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

1 jalapeno pepper, minced (optional)

1/2 cup large black olives, quartered

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 avocado, cut into chunks

1 tbsp fresh lime juice

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

4 oz reduced fat pepper jack cheese (or cheese of choice)

1-1/2 cups Mexi-corn, drained

1-1/2 cups beans, drained and rinsed

4 oz diced green chili peppers

Dressing

6 oz non-fat Greek yogurt

1 pkg Hidden Valley Fiesta Ranch Dressing Mix

cilantro and crunchy tortilla chips for garnish (optional)

Cook pasta according to package directions. Add all ingredients together and mix well. Mix yogurt and dressing mix; gently stir into salad mixture. Garnish with crunchy tortilla chips and/or cilantro, if desired. 

"Where We Belong" by Emily Giffin Book Review

Marian is 18, on the threshold of following her dreams of a career in television and in love for the first time. And, then, she gets pregnant. The decisions she makes forever alters the lives of everyone she holds dear, even those she has yet to meet. She could not have known that 18 years later the repercussions of this decision would come knocking on her door and bring her life full circle in a way that changes everything she believed about herself and her life.

Ms. Giffin tells the story of Marian and Kirby in the first person, alternating each chapter to reflect the perceptions of each, ultimately bringing their separate personalities together to create a whole where before there were missing parts. 

The story is real, relevant and recognizable in its poignancy. I found myself reminiscing on life-changing decisions and wondering how life might have been had I chosen another path. In the end, though, we must all reconcile ourselves to the realization that where we are is where we belong.

Indaba Pinot Gris 2011 Wine Review

"Indaba" is the Zulu word for "a meeting of the minds," or a traditional gathering of tribal leaders for a sharing of ideas. The Indaba wine brand was created as a celebration of the democratization process in South Africa and, from its inception, the wines have conveyed the spirit of South Africa to American consumers. A portion of the proceeds from the Indaba wines supports a scholarship for formerly disenfranchised South Africans who are interested in wine-related careers. Through growth of the brand and via the affiliated scholarship, Indaba is proud to be a part of the positive changes that are altering the face of South Africa's wine industry.

The Indaba range is carefully selected from emerging regions of the Cape winelands, such as Robertson, Wellington and the Breede River Valley. Production is overseen by Bruwer Raats, celebrated winemaker of Raats Family Wines and long-term consultant for Indaba. All are bottled under user-friendly screwcap closures with environmentally friendly packaging. In addition to garnering regular "best buy" nods from Wine Enthusiast, Indaba has earned extensive praise in Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, which described the wines as "truly mind-boggling values" for the past two consecutive vintages. 

I purchased the Pinot Gris recently. On the nose, I sense minerals and Granny Smith apples. The taste reminds me of tart fruits, like kiwi and strawberry with a little lime and pepper... very crisp. While it's a great wine, rated 88 by consumers — whose opinion I trust more than the so-called experts — it's a bit too tart for my individual taste. So I decided to use it to make sangria. 

I marinated overnight in one cup of light rum one cup of pineapple chunks, one peach (peeled and sliced), one kiwi fruit (peeled and sliced) and one lime with zest. I added to this mixture 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon and clove. The next day, I added the remainder of the bottle of wine, which was about 2/3 of the bottle with about 2 cups of ginger ale. The result was amazingly good! Careful, though... it's really smooth and yummy, with a taste of mince meat pie or, perhaps, peach cobbler, but the alcohol sneaks up on you. I'm even considering trying this as a mulled wine for the holiday season.

"Looking for Me," by Beth Hoffman Book Review

This book is the type that makes me glad I'm a reader. While some aspects of the story are a little implausible, Beth Hoffman gives her characters enough depth that I am able to recognize them as people I know in my own life, just as perfectly flawed and commonly unique. Her use of flashbacks to flesh out events kept the pace from dragging. 

While this story could have easily become cliche, Ms. Hoffman's prose is fresh and imaginative. And, I appreciate that she doesn't tie every situation up with a neat bow. I finished the book with some lingering questions but, honestly, I think that is exactly what Ms. Hoffman intended. She reminds us that life is full of life-changing surprises, and we are defined by how we embrace all of them, even the painful ones.

Mexican Salad with Tequila Lime Dressing

I've been enjoying the bounty of summer vegetables so much this year. Good thing, too. Now that the AMA has classified obesity as a disease, my doctor isn't as forgiving about those extra pounds I've packed on. 

Usually a craving for Mexican food means some serious carrot and celery crunching for lunch. But, I was able to put together a great salad with all the flavors I was wanting and plenty of the nutrition a baby boomer body needs. 

I cut an avocado up in chunks and added cherry tomatoes, cut in halves. Avocados are a little high in calories, but research has shown that they help reduce the inflammation of arthritis and are heart healthy, actually helping to lower cholesterol. And, tomatoes are one of nature's special gifts... a super food with vitamins, minerals, fiber and so much more included great taste!

A half cup each of corn and rinsed pinto beans added fiber and protein, plus potassium for those nighttime charley horses. Some folks would choose black beans, which are just as nutritious, but I'm from Texas... it's pintos or nothing! About a half cup each of bell and jalapeno pepper and onion slices gave the salad some kick and me some more arthritis relief, in the form of capsaicin, as well as vitamin E to help keep those wrinkles at bay! 

Finally, some black olives (vitamin A, for eye health, and iron), cilantro (believed to be a sleep aid) and jalapeno jack cheese (calcium for my old bones). 

For the dressing, I mixed together well one ounce of tequila, juice of half a lime, 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon of the vinegar in pickled jalapenos (I like it hot; plain vinegar would work) and 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder and cumin. I only used about two tablespoons of the dressing on the salad and refrigerated the rest for future use.

The salad serves two at about 300 calories each, including the dressing and some baked tortilla strips added for extra crunch. 

Turnip, the Other Potato

The poor, misunderstood turnip. While a little more popular in the South, it's on Men's Fitness' list of Top 10 Most Hated Vegetables. That's a shame, because on a nutritional level, it's right up there with potatoes, but with far fewer calories. And, in terms of baby boomer health, it's almost off the charts in nutritional value.

Let's start with its benefits for fighting the #1 and #2 causes of death in the United States... heart disease and cancer. The root has high levels of antioxidants and phytonutrients, which have been shown in studies to reduce the risk of cancer. When you add in the greens, loaded with glucosinolates, which aid the liver in processing toxins, fight the effects of carcinogens, and new research has indications that they may inhibit the growth of tumors, it deserves respect. What, still hate the turnip?

OK, how about this... one cup of turnips has 15% of recommended daily allowance of vitamin C to boost immunity, 12% of metabolism boosting fiber, 8% of potassium to regulate blood pressure and muscle contraction and 5% calcium for bone health.

What most people don't realize is that young turnips are a natural substitute for potatoes at about one-third of the calories and are just as easy to prepare. 

But, the best way to enjoy the turnip is mixed in with the goodness of turnip greens, which really are a powerhouse of nutrients, beginning with a whopping 616% recommended daily allowance of vitamin K, essential for blood coagulation, and 219% of vitamin A, which helps prevent cataracts, as well as significant amounts of fiber and calcium. And, that puts the lowly turnip in the category of superfood.

There are plenty of recipes on the Internet to create a dish that is sure to please the family, but below is one of my favorites from the "Everybody Likes Sandwiches" blogsite.

braised turnips, onions & carrots
1 T butter 
2 small turnips, sliced
1/2 sweet onion, cut into thin slices
1 large carrot, sliced on the diagonal
1/2 yellow pepper, sliced
1/2 c vegetable broth
1/2 t sugar
4 sprigs of thyme
salt & pepper

In a large pan, melt butter over medium-high heat and add turnips, onions, and carrots and yellow pepper. Gently toss vegetables around the pan until glistening and warm. Pour in vegetable broth and add in sugar. Put a lid on the pan and let everything come to a boil. Add in thyme. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the turnip and carrots can easily be pierced with a fork. Season with lots of black pepper and add salt if needed.

I added a little cardamom and fennel to my recipe, both of which are believed to be beneficial in arthritis pain management.

Next time you make pot roast, consider adding turnips with your other vegetables. You may not be able to tell the difference between them and potatoes, but your waistline will!!

Honey Ginger Mushrooms

After my gym workout, I wanted a dinner that was easy, but could keep up with my endorphin and adrenaline rush. I chose a sriracha salmon recipe I found on the Self magazine website (recipe here). You have seriously got to try this recipe. I've had it twice, and it's amazing how four ingredients can come together to form one spectacular dish. 

But, salmon has a lot of calories, albeit good ones. I had put in a pretty good workout, so I had some leeway, but since I wanted to enjoy a glass of wine, I had to have a little restraint. I had some baby portobello, or crimini, mushrooms that really needed to be cooked. I decided to follow the Asian flavor of the salmon and saute them in a honey ginger sauce.

I poured the sauce over the mushrooms and gave them a good toss to make sure they were coated, then cooked them in the oil until they were reduced about half. 

Crimini mushrooms have been shown in studies to be a baby boomers super food. They boost the immune system, help reduce inflammation and, because they have such a high amount of selenium, they have great antioxidant benefits, as well as B vitamins for heart health, while being very low in calories.

Add to all that goodness the anti-inflammatory and immune boosting benefits of ginger, not to mention the cancer-fighting benefits of honey, and it's not just a delicious side dish, it's a wellness bonanza.

Honey Ginger Mushrooms

1 cup mushrooms

1 tbsp honey

1 tsp rice vinegar

1 tsp dried ginger or 2 tsp fresh

1 tbsp lite soy sauce

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil or butter/margarine

Clean and cut mushrooms as desired. Mix together honey, vinegar, ginger and soy sauce until well blended in a mixing bowl. Add mushrooms and toss to coat well. Heat oil in wok or skillet. Add mushrooms and cook until mushrooms are reduced by almost half. Serve immediately.

Kendall Jackson 2011 Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay

At first whiff of the Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay 2011, I got the aroma of white pepper and pineapple. The pineapple follows into the taste with a lot of other tropical fruit flavor. However, since I rarely eat anything tropical other than kiwi and pineapple, I couldn't tell you what the flavors are. The winemakers notes include mango and papaya. I was able to pick up the citrus taste of tangerine and lime, with a touch of gingery spice. It's a little dry for my taste at first, but softens nicely decanted. Bottom line, it was great with my dinner of sriracha salmon (recipe here) and honey ginger mushrooms (recipe above). I would stick with foods that pair well with citrus taste on this one. I tried it with a bite of cheese and was not impressed. So, fish, salads, Asian foods are probably the best bet for pairing. Kendall Jackson is the number one selling Chardonnay in the US and, because of the size of its vineyards, it can afford to keep prices reasonable, even a vintage as difficult as 2011. SRP is $13. Wine Spectator rated it 86.